NFL 2009 Mock Draft Round One

So, you may be thinking "Okay, seriously...A mock draft...In October?" Yes, that's correct. The NFL Draft is six months from now, but it'll be here before you know it.

I thought, for fun, I would give my first-round mock. Once every month, I will update my mock draft and see what changes have been made.

1. Detroit Lions- QB, Matthew Stafford, Georgia

With Jon Kitna nearing the end of his career in 2009 the Lions will need a star Quarterback. Stafford is the type of Quarterback that can turn your whole franchise around.

2.Cincinnati Bengals- OT, Michael Oher, Ole Miss

The main reason for Cincinnati's lack of offensive consistency is because of their dreadful offensive line. Oher is a beast, who is arguably the best blocker in all of college football. Oher reminds me of New York Jets Offensive Tackle D'Brickishaw Ferguson in a way that they can turn around a team's running game.

3. Oakland Raiders- OT, Andre Smith, Alabama

Oakland has spent its last two first rounders on JaMarcus Russell and Darren McFadden. Yes, they are great players, but they would be much better if they had a great line to go with it. Andre Smith is a tremendous lineman out of Alabama. Andre would immediately make an impact on Oakland's offensive line. Michael Crabtree is also a very realistic option here since Javon Walker...well, for lack of a better term, sucks.

4. Kansas City Chiefs- LB, James Laurinaitis, Ohio State

Perhaps it's a bit early for Laurinaitis, but when you consider Kansas City's linebacking corps, you'll understand why. Pat Thomas is Kansas City's starting middle linebacker, which is pretty pathetic. Laurinaitis won the Butkus award for best linebacker in all of college football in 2007.

5. St. Louis Rams- OT, Jason Smith, Baylor

St. Louis missed out on their top prospect last year in Jake Long, who was the No. 1 pick by Miami. In 2009, the Rams will be looking to rebuild their offensive line. Jason Smith is a very underrated blocker since he doesn't play for a big-name college. With the addition of Jason, St. Louis will be able to get their running game back to the frightening presence it once was with Marshall Faulk.

6. Houston Texans- CB, Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State

Houston doesn't have many holes besides the run and pass defense. Houston is currently ranked 16th in passing yards allowed. Dunta Robinson hasn't been fully healthy in some time. Malcolm Jenkins would become an immediate presence to Houston's already very young and strong—with potential—defense.

Amobi Okoye, Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans, Dunta Robinson, and Malcolm Jenkins would make for a very impressive defense.

7. Seattle Seahawks- CB, Vontae Davis, Illinois

Seattle, right now, is ranked 22nd in the league in pass yards allowed, with almost 230 yards allowed per game. Seattle's defense was supposed to be the strongest part of their whole team—not this year. Marcus Trufant is a solid corner, but Kelly Jennings really isn't. Davis would be a tremendous pick for Seattle to re-bolster their defense.

8. San Francisco 49'ers- OLB, Aaron Curry, Wake Forest

Giving up nearly 125 yards rushing per game is never a good thing. Minus Patrick Willis, San Fran's linebackers are pretty weak. Manny Lawson and Tully Banta-Cain are nearing the exit door, which leaves two spots to fill. Aaron Curry would be a starter come day one. Patrick Willis will be able to be a mentor to Curry, since Willis was 2007's Defensive Rookie of the year.

9. Baltimore Ravens- RB, Knowshon Moreno, Georgia

Maybe Moreno isn't the best pick for the Ravens here, but you can never go against adding depth. Willis McGahee, in the offseason could be potential trade bait. Ray Rice currently isn't a caliber starter. Le'Ron McClain is a terrific fullback. Lorenzo Neal may retire in the offseason. How does this running back depth chart look: Willis McGahee, Knowshon Moreno, Ray Rice. Fullback: Le'Ron McClain.

10. Miami Dolphins- CB, Darius Butler, Connecticut

Miami, through the air, gives up 240 yards a game. Their cornerback squad is fairly bad. Darius Butler is climbing up the charts. Bill Parcells loves drafting linebackers, but this year, he needs to look at different positions. Butler will start in 2009 if he's drafted Miami.

11. Cleveland Browns- DE, George Selvie, South Florida

Selvie is an absolute monster for South Florida. Cleveland lacks a strong defensive presence, but if Selvie were to fall to them, they would be a scarier defense to face. Cleveland gives up 140 yards rushing per game. These numbers will go down if Selvie comes to Cleveland.

12. Atlanta Falcons- LB, Brandon Spikes, Florida

Who would have thought that Atlanta, in October, would be 4-2? I know I didn't. I have Atlanta at the 12th pick simply because I believe they will fall in to a slump soon. Brandon Spikes is a terrific linebacker for the Florida Gators. Spikes will be able to play any spot at linebacker.

13. New York Jets- RB, Chris "Beanie" Wells, Ohio State

Thomas Jones will be 31 years old by the time the 2009 season comes around. New York should draft a running back now, that way, when Thomas Jones is either let go or retires, they will already have Chris Wells waiting. Beanie suffered a foot injury earlier this year, which caused him to miss a couple games. Chris Wells is healthy now and will be a great prospect coming out this year.

14. Chicago Bears- LB, Rey Maualuga, USC

Hunter Hillenmeyer should be gone after the 2008 season. Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs are sure to stay. Maualuga is the hard-hitting, tough, rowdy, and quick linebacker that Chicago loves. Rey Maualuga would fit right in to Chicago's defensive scheme from the first day of minicamps.

15. Minnesota Vikings- QB, Tim Tebow, Florida

I would literally jump for joy if this happened. I am a diehard Vikings fan, which would make seeing Minnesota draft an extremely talented quarterback in the first round the greatest day ever. Gus Frerotte is a good quarterback, but this is likely his last year, especially after all of the hard hits he's taken this year.

Tarvaris Jackson flat out stinks and is at best a second-string quarterback for life. Tebow can run and pass with perfection and would be the key for Minnesota to finally make it deep in to the playoffs.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars- LB, Brian Cushing, USC

Brian Cushing is an extremely talented linebacker, who would be adding depth to an already solid Jags linebacking team. Jacksonville ranks 16th in the league in rushing yards allowed. Brian Cushing will vastly improve those numbers.

17. Philadelphia Eagles- DE, Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech

Defensive end is not a huge priority to Philadelphia, but with Juqua Parker being nearly 31 years old, they need to get younger on the D-line. Michael Johnson is a very physical and extremely quick defensive end. Johnson has good height at 6"6' but can afford to add some weight, considering he's only 255 pounds.

18. New Orleans Saints- S, Taylor Mays, USC

New Orleans' offense is set, so they must now focus on defense. Taylor Mays is incredibly fast and agile. New Orleans needs to solidify their pass defense. New Orleans ranks 21st in the league with 227 passing yards allowed per game. Mays would come in to the big easy and start right away, pushing Kevin Kaesviharn out the door.

19. Green Bay Packers- DE, Greg Hardy, Ole Miss

Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila just recently turned 31 years old, and he is nearing the end of his career. Greg Hardy is the smart and safe pick here. Everybody says that cornerback is the biggest need for Green Bay, but with Tramon Williams and Will Blackmon still young, they can come and fill in for Al Harris or Charles Woodson.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- WR, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland

Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard are nearing the end of their terrific careers. Dexter Jackson isn't a great receiver but more of a returner. Antonio Bryant will probably be around for only this year and then he will once again have to pack up and go some place else. Darrius Heyward-Bey at the No. 20 spot is a steal since he is so talented.

21. New England Patriots- OT, Ciron Black, LSU

New England's offensive line is getting up there in age, and they need some fresh young talent to block for Laurence Maroney. Nick Kaczur is injured often and can't be starting for the Pats too much more. Ciron Black is a big boy and a guy who can stick with the Patriots for years to come.

22. Arizona Cardinals- TE, Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma State

Through six games, Leonard Pope has only five catches for 36 yards—pretty pathetic. Pettigrew is another offensive weapon for Arizona to throw to. Brandon Pettigrew is the best tight end in all of college, in my opinion.

23. Philadelphia Eagles- S, Kam Chancellor, Virginia TechThe second of their two first rounders goes to a safety, which they desperately need. Chancellor can prevent long pass plays and can get to the running back. There is a good chance that his stock could be falling in to the second round, nonetheless.

24. San Diego Chargers- NT, Terrence Cody, Alabama

Jamal Williams is 32 years of age right now, and he just isn't the dominant player he once was. Terrence Cody is a monster at 365 pounds who can stuff the run. Terrence will be another Pat Williams...Which is good.

25. Indianapolis Colts- DT, Sen'Derrick Marks, Auburn

Indianapolis is on "E" at the Defensive Tackle spot. Ed Johnson's marijuana scandal can't do too much to help the cause either. Indianapolis has given up four 100-yard rushers in only five games played. It's sad to know that they can't even stop the run when Bob Sanders is healthy.

26. Denver Broncos- S, William Moore, Missouri

Marquand Manuel and Marlon McCree just aren't cutting it. Denver needs a safety that can be in Mile High for years to come. William Moore is a ballhawk and an aggressive tackler that will secure Denver's secondary, which already consists of Champ Bailey and Dre' Bly.

27. Buffalo Bills- C, Alex Mack, California

Melvin Fowler is constantly injured, which means he shouldn't be a starter in Buffalo for much longer. How can Buffalo's offense only manage to get a little over 98 yards rushing a game? It's simple—Their offensive line is only average. Mack will immediately improve Buffalo's interior run game.

28. Detroit Lions- DE, Brian Orakpo, Texas

Now it's time to focus on defense. Orakpo this late is a steal, in my mind. Detroit's defensive line is always being obliterated, so they need a run stuffer and a pass rusher. So far it's a great draft for Detroit. They get the franchise quarterback and a defensive presence.

29. Washington Redskins- CB, Trevard Lindley, Kentucky

Shawn Springs turns 34 years old a month before the 2009 NFL draft. Fred Smoot costs his team huge plays, so he should be playing for another team come the 2009 season. Trevard Lindley is a great cornerback who's stock is rising slowly up the charts.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers- G, Duke Robinson, Oklahoma

Ben Roethlisberger won't live to see five more years if he can't get a strong offensive line going. Roethlisberger was sacked eight times by the Eagles! Eight times! Kendall Simmons is nearly 30 years old and is always hurting in different places. It's safe to say that Kendall Simmons will likely never be 100 percent healthy again.

31. Tennessee Titans- DT, Terrance Taylor, Michigan

Wow, this certainly would be a great time to get a star receiver...But no, you will go for a different spot. Albert Haynesworth is a free agent after this year and will ultimately test the free-agent market. If he goes, Tennessee will need a strong presence behind him.

32. New York Giants- DE, Maurice Evans, Penn State

Mathias Kiwanuka was a linebacker turned defensive end after Osi Umenyiora went out for the season. If the Giants draft Maurice Evans, this will allow New York to move Mathias back to his linebacker spot to replace Danny Clark.